Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates Achieves “5-of-5” Award for Fourth Consecutive Year
JOBS FOR MICHIGAN’S GRADUATES ACHIEVES “5-OF-5” AWARD FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Benton Harbor, MI. – For the fourth consecutive year, Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG), the premier program of Youth Solutions Inc., has achieved the “5-of-5” award, bestowed annually by the national affiliated organization, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG).
JMG at the statewide level exceeded the “5-of-5” goals for all dropout prevention programming by an average of seven percent, scoring 95% in graduation rate, 67% in total job placement and military service, 85% in positive outcomes (further education, career or military placement), 90% in full-time placement and 76% in full-time jobs.
In addition, 11 area Michigan Works! affiliates also achieved the “5-of-5” award for the school year 2018-2019: Capital Area Michigan Works!, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, GST Michigan Works!, Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren, Michigan Works! Southwest, Networks Northwest, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, SEMCA, Michigan Works! Upward Talent, West Michigan Works! and Michigan Works! Southeast.
Jeff Swears, Board Chairman of Youth Solutions, sees a bright future for JMG. “To receive this award four years in a row is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the staff and youth involved in JMG. We are making a real difference in the lives of 3,000 young people across Michigan, and I am extremely proud of the results we’re seeing,” Swears said.
JMG addresses the concerning trend of underachievement in education and employment by Michigan’s youth and has a track record of unparalleled success in graduation, post-secondary education, and employment outcomes across the state. Using a school-based model that is grounded in success skills training and college/career exposure, JMG provides youth with the resources to prepare, compete and succeed at college, in the military, or at work.
JAG President and CEO, Ken Smith says, “Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates is in the very top tier of all 35 states where Jobs for America’s Graduates operates. They are a role model of success for all of us who are part of the National JAG organization,”
In the past five years, JMG has grown the number of young people served by 530% while exceeding the targeted goals and plans to stay on this successful path for years to come.
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About Youth Solutions, Inc. Youth Solutions, Inc. is a premier youth opportunity organization. Our leading program, Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates, delivers employability and education services to nearly 3,000 young people across 40+ cities. For more information about Youth Solutions, Inc. or to become a partner, visit us at www.ouryouthsolutions.org, follow us on Twitter at JobsforMIGrads, or “like” us on Facebook at JobsforMichigansGraduates.
